Call Her Daddy Podcast Episode Summary
Episode: Charlize Theron: I Don’t Need a Man
Release Date: July 2, 2025
Host: Alex Cooper
Guest: Charlize Theron
Introduction and Welcome (00:00 - 02:36)
The episode kicks off with Alex Cooper expressing excitement about "Call Her Daddy" joining the SiriusXM family. After a brief introduction and sponsorship messages from Intuit QuickBooks, Tinder, Haagen-Dazs, Bondi Sands, Adidas, and Cozy, Charlize Theron joins the conversation. The initial banter sets a relaxed and conversational tone, with Charlize humorously discussing Tinder's Double Date feature and Haagen-Dazs Belgian Waffle Cones.
Early Life and Upbringing (09:26 - 14:19)
Charlize Theron delves into her childhood in South Africa, describing her upbringing on small farms and the influence of her mother's natural farming practices in Ojai. She elaborates on attending boarding school, sharing insights into her social life and the challenges she faced due to her family's struggles with alcoholism.
"There was a lot of alcoholism in my family on both sides, and a lot of shame." [10:20]
Charlize reflects on creating an alter ego to mask her family's issues, highlighting her difficulty in fitting in during school. She admires peers who were confident and authentic, a trait she longed to embody herself.
"I admire women who are just open and honest, who don't try to hide anything. That's something I didn't have." [12:07]
Impact of Trauma and Therapy (14:19 - 25:22)
Charlize discusses the profound impact of her father's alcoholism and a tragic event in her family life, which led to long-term emotional struggles. She shares how years of inconsistency and living with an alcoholic parent affected her relationships and self-perception.
"It took me like well into my late 30s to really be able to look at that and shake off the weight." [14:43]
The conversation shifts to her decision to seek therapy following a tumultuous relationship, emphasizing the importance of self-healing over attempting to save unhealthy relationships.
"I ended up saving myself. Maybe in a weird way, I do owe this guy some gratitude." [19:13]
Charlize advocates for therapy, explaining how it helped her recognize and break unhealthy patterns inherited from her upbringing. She also discusses balancing her relationship with her mother, emphasizing acceptance and maintaining a loving connection without trying to change her.
"Therapy taught me that she is who she is, and I'm not here to change her." [23:19]
Career Beginnings and Hollywood (35:06 - 43:37)
Charlize recounts moving to Los Angeles with a one-way ticket, driven by her mother's push to become an actress. She describes initial struggles, including modeling to make ends meet and the confusion of navigating Hollywood without prior exposure.
"I was so excited but confused by Hollywood, thinking celebrities were just neighbors." [42:29]
One notable early audition involved a director's unconventional and uncomfortable request, which Charlize handled with resilience and eventual empowerment.
"I won't even say his name because you're the scumbag. You know who you are." [45:13]
Personal Growth and Relationships (61:20 - 85:57)
The dialogue shifts to Charlize's approach to relationships, emphasizing her choice to remain single to maintain autonomy and avoid repeating her parents' unhealthy dynamics. She shares humorous and candid insights into her dating life, including dislikes for dating apps and valuing meaningful connections through friends.
"I have zero interest in dating someone in my industry." [70:40]
Charlize discusses her boundaries in relationships, stressing the importance of not losing herself and maintaining authenticity.
"I will not lose myself, I will not make myself smaller, and I will not do things that are not authentic." [83:19]
Reflections on Success and Future Plans (56:44 - 95:29)
Reflecting on her career achievements, Charlize expresses a nuanced relationship with success, recognizing the fleeting nature of opportunities and valuing personal fulfillment over accolades.
"When good shit comes my way, I really, like, I felt it, but I also felt time running out." [57:12]
Looking ahead, Charlize mentions her excitement for future projects, including challenging roles and the anticipation of becoming an empty nester. She highlights her contentment with her career and the joy of parenting.
"I feel so blessed and so lucky that I get to do something every single day that I love." [94:03]
Discussing Stunts and Movie Roles (86:32 - 90:08)
Charlize shares behind-the-scenes experiences from her films, discussing the physical and emotional demands of performing stunts. She highlights the empowering aspect of embodying different characters and the liberation that comes with such transformations.
"I found it very freeing. It's much easier for me to lose myself when I'm working to really be a good actor." [60:23]
Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts (93:01 - 96:14)
The episode concludes with light-hearted exchanges about personal life and parenting. Charlize humorously recounts moments with her daughters, showcasing her down-to-earth personality despite her Hollywood status.
"She's like, why don't we... I'm so tired. We're gonna go home and have a girls' night with ice cream." [90:13]
Charlize emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between career and family, expressing gratitude for the supportive people in her life.
"I have been blessed with really, really good people in my life." [67:26]
Notable Quotes
- "I am who I am. I'm not ashamed of who I am." – Charlize Theron [04:02]
- "I ended up saving myself. Maybe in a weird way, I do owe this guy some gratitude." – Charlize Theron [19:13]
- "I will not lose myself, I will not make myself smaller, and I will not do things that are not authentic." – Charlize Theron [83:19]
- "I feel so blessed and so lucky that I get to do something every single day that I love." – Charlize Theron [94:03]
Key Topics Covered
- Early Life and Family Dynamics: Charlize opens up about her childhood in South Africa, her family's farming background, and the impact of her father's alcoholism.
- Personal Trauma and Healing: She discusses the long-term effects of her traumatic experiences and her journey through therapy to reclaim her identity.
- Navigating Hollywood: Charlize shares her initial struggles and misconceptions about Hollywood, highlighting early auditions and career milestones.
- Relationships and Autonomy: The conversation delves into her approach to relationships, emphasizing the importance of independence and avoiding past unhealthy patterns.
- Career and Success: Charlize reflects on her career achievements, the pressure of the industry, and her evolving relationship with success.
- Balancing Motherhood and Career: She talks about her role as a single mother, the support system that helps her maintain this balance, and her future aspirations.
- Empowerment and Authenticity: Throughout the episode, Charlize emphasizes the significance of being true to oneself and supporting other women in their personal journeys.
Conclusion
This episode of "Call Her Daddy" offers an intimate and candid look into Charlize Theron's life, from her challenging upbringing to her triumphant career and personal growth. Through honest discussions about trauma, therapy, and relationships, Charlize provides valuable insights and inspiration for listeners. Her stories of resilience and authenticity resonate deeply, making this a compelling and empowering episode for the Daddy Gang.
Disclaimer: All timestamps are approximate and based on the provided transcript.